Vegas may already know who replaces John Tortorella

The Vegas Golden Knights are still fighting for the Stanley Cup, but attention is already beginning to shift toward a major question facing the organization after the season ends. Who will replace John Tortorella?

The veteran coach has recently confirmed that his time behind the Vegas bench will come to an end at the conclusion of the season, regardless of whether the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup.

In an interview with Sportsnet, Tortorella revealed that his departure had been part of the plan from the very beginning.

“Everybody knows that I came on here and, end of June, I’m done, as far as with Vegas. And Kelly, and I made that agreement when we first talked,” Tortorella explained.

Now, speculation about his successor is beginning to intensify.

During a recent episode of Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts podcast, insider Elliotte Friedman suggested that Vegas may already have an internal candidate lined up. Friedman pointed to Ryan Craig, the head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, as a logical option to take over behind the Golden Knights bench next season.

Craig has spent the past several years within the organization and would provide continuity for a team that appears reluctant to undergo a major overhaul after another deep playoff run.

Friedman also noted that Tortorella’s performance with Vegas could have broader implications around the league. Despite joining the team on a temporary basis late in the season, the veteran coach has guided the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final and reminded many why he remains one of hockey’s most respected bench bosses.

At 68 years old, Tortorella may be leaving Vegas, but his coaching future elsewhere could still be very much alive, though many wonder if he could call it quits after this run.

As for the Golden Knights, it appears they may already be preparing for life after Tortorella.